New Delhi, 24 December 2024: Delhi authorities have withdrawn GRAP-4 restrictions, the most stringent anti-pollution measures, after a slight improvement in air quality levels. By 5 PM, the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) had dropped to 364, categorized as “very poor,” falling 36 points below the Supreme Court-mandated threshold for enforcing stage-4 curbs.
The Sub-Committee for the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) confirmed a “steady improvement” in air quality throughout the day. The GRAP-4 measures, reinstated on December 16 amid a severe pollution spike, had included bans on non-essential construction activities and other steps to combat worsening air conditions.
According to the India Meteorological Department, the AQI is projected to stay in the “very poor” range in the days ahead, aided by favorable wind speeds and weather patterns.
Experts cautioned against complacency, warning that pollution levels could fluctuate. “Continued vigilance and proactive measures will remain vital to further curb pollution,” said a senior environmental officer.
GRAP-4 curbs, implemented when AQI exceeds 400, are critical to mitigating the impact of severe pollution on public health. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely to evaluate the need for future restrictions.
